HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Suggest Treatment For Muscular Pain In The Left Shoulder Blade

Posted on Tue, 27 Oct 2015

Question: For aprox. 2 weeks, I have experienced muscular pain in the area of my left shoulder blade. At it's worst, this pain will radiate into the left neck, jaw and arm causing numbness/tingling and occasional muscle spasms. Recently I have begun to also experience a very sharp, stinging, burning pain in my left breast. Should I continue to self-treat with rest and watchful waiting or is it time to consult my physician?

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need some details to guide you better

Detailed Answer:
Hello

My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.

I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. There could be a number of causes. I would be in a better position to guide you if you answer following questions please:

1. Is pain persistent or episodic?
2. any history of diabetes, hypertension, heart problem or any other disease?
3. are you on any kind of medication?
4. any family history of heart problem or other illness?
5. does pain occur after doing some work or lifting heavy object? of it persists at rest as well?
6. any other complaint that you would like to share?

I will be looking forward for the answers to conclude the discussion in the best interest of yours.
Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (2 days later)

Hello Dr. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX Rauf. Thank you for your reply. To answer your questions: The pain in the muscle near my shoulder blade is episodic, occurring mostly after prolonged sitting at the computer or driving. This pain then spreads to the neck, jaw, arm and breast. The pain in my breast is especially bad when lying in bed. I do have a familial history of hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer on both my mother's and father's side of the family. I am currently on a daily dose of 0.05 mg of Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. I do not have any other diagnosed illnesses. This pain does not seem to be associated with heavy work or lifting. It has begun to persist at rest. I am particularly concerned about the sharp, burning, stinging pain in my breast. Can you suggest at home treatment to alleviate this pain. Thank You
See above.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Needs further workup

Detailed Answer:
hello

Thank you for getting back with the answers. i have gone through them. As there is positive family history of heart problem and your pain is now persisting at rest as well so we need to rule out heart problem first. If its ruled out then we can look for other common causes. IF i were your treating doctor then i would have advised following things:

- baseline ECG to check heart status.
- X-ray thoracic inlet for cervical rib
- Naproxen thrice a day for 5 days
- sucralfate suspension thrice a day for 5 days
- take hot water in a rubber bottle and put it at the site of pain. It will give soothing effect.
- avoid lifting heavy weight till you become healthy again.

> AVOID:
oily & spicy food
drinks
heavy meals at night

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (32 hours later)

Thank you very much for your help!

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hello

You are most welcome. I'll be available 24/7 for if you ever need assistance.

Wishing you good health.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar